DJ Snake Biography: William Sami Étienne Grigahcine born June 13, 1986, known professionally as DJ Snake, is a French DJ and record producer. He initially made a name for himself by producing tracks for other artists, including “Shut It Down” by Pitbull and “Applause” by Lady Gaga, before breaking into the mainstream with his 2013 debut single “Turn Down for What” featuring Lil Jon.
DJ Snake Biography
DJ Snake, born on June 13, 1986, in Paris, France, rose to international fame with hit tracks like “Lean On,” “Get Low,” and “Turn Down for What.” As of 2025, he is 39 years old, single, and under the zodiac sign Gemini. Known for his distinctive sound and global success, DJ Snake has accumulated an estimated net worth of $8 million.
DJ Snake Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | William Sami Étienne Grigahcine |
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| Born | 13 June 1986 Paris, France |
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| Years active | 2000–present |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About DJ Snake
William Sami Étienne Grigahcine, known by his stage name DJ Snake, is a French DJ and record producer.
DJ Snake Achievements
Released under Mad Decent, a subsidiary of Columbia Records, the track achieved major commercial success—reaching number 19 on France’s SNEP singles chart, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, and earning octuple platinum certification from the RIAA. The song was also nominated for Best Music Video at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards and won Top Dance/Electronic Song at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.
DJ Snake Personal Life
While the exact figures of his salary remain undisclosed, his earnings through music production, performances, and collaborations have solidified his status in the industry. Though details about his parents remain private, DJ Snake continues to make waves in the music world and maintain a strong presence both on and off stage.
DJ Snake Wiki
- Born: 13 June 1986 (age 39 years), Paris, France
- Height: 1.8 m
- Genres: EDM; trap; moombahton; dubstep
- Songwriting partners: Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Ozuna ·
- Nationality: Algerian, French
Early Life
Grigahcine was born in Paris to Algerian parents and raised in Ermont, a suburb outside the city. Though he has described the area as a “ghetto,” Ermont is not considered an economically disadvantaged district. Influenced by hip-hop culture, he was inspired by artists like KRS-One and Cypress Hill, as well as the DJ scene portrayed in the French film La Haine, particularly a scene featuring Cut Killer. In his youth, he was involved in graffiti art, which earned him the nickname “Snake” due to his knack for eluding police. He later adopted the name DJ Snake, joking that while the name “sucks,” it was too late to change it. He began DJing at the age of 14 and started producing music by 19. In the early stages of his career, he played sets at various Parisian clubs, including Le Bains Douches. In 2005, he met his future manager Steve Goncalves, who motivated him to start creating original music.
DJ Snake – Official Biography
- Full Name: William Sami Étienne Grigahcine
- Date of Birth: June 13, 1986
- Place of Birth: Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Ethnicity: French-Algerian
- Profession: DJ, Record Producer
- Years Active: 2000–present
- Famous Works: “Turn Down for What,” “Lean On,” “Taki Taki”
- Estimated Net Worth: $8 million
- Relationship Status: Single
- Children: None
DJ Snake Family
Born in Paris on June 13, 1986, DJ Snake grew up in Ermont, a suburb he has often described as underprivileged. His French father left the family when he was just two years old, leaving his Algerian mother to raise him and his younger brother on her own. She worked tirelessly in various roles, including as a nanny and cleaner, to provide for her family. Growing up in such a diverse and multicultural environment had a lasting influence on DJ Snake’s musical style, shaping his sound into the globally-inspired blend he’s known for today.
Career Beginnings
DJ Snake discovered his love for music in his early teens. By age 14, he was already DJing, and just a year later, he left high school to work at a well-known record store in Paris. This job gave him invaluable exposure to the music world and helped him build industry connections. He began performing in local clubs and quickly developed a reputation for his high-energy sets. A key turning point came in 2005, when he met Steve Goncalves, who would become his longtime manager and encourage him to begin producing original music. One of his earliest big breaks came in 2011, when he co-produced the track “Government Hooker” on Lady Gaga’s album Born This Way.
Major Hits & Achievements
DJ Snake’s international breakthrough arrived in 2013 with “Turn Down for What,” a collaboration with Lil Jon that became a global hit, earning multi-platinum certifications and massive critical praise. He followed up with an even bigger smash, “Lean On” (2015), in collaboration with Major Lazer and MØ, which became one of the most-streamed songs in Spotify’s history at the time.
He continued to deliver chart-topping singles, including:
- “Middle” (2015)
- “Let Me Love You” featuring Justin Bieber (2016)
- “Taki Taki” featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B (2018)
DJ Snake has received multiple awards and nominations throughout his career, cementing his place as one of the most influential and in-demand producers in modern music.
Personal Life and Relationships
DJ Snake is known for being highly private about his personal life. As of 2022, he is reportedly single and has not been publicly associated with any romantic partners. He remains focused on his music career, and little information is available about his family beyond his early upbringing.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The name “DJ Snake” comes from his teenage years as a graffiti artist, where his skill in avoiding police earned him the nickname “Snake.”
- He is a passionate supporter of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), frequently showing his allegiance to the football club.
- His multicultural background and upbringing in a diverse neighborhood have deeply influenced his musical style, allowing him to blend genres and global sounds seamlessly.
Charity and Legacy
DJ Snake has taken part in various charitable efforts and uses his influence to support causes close to his heart. Renowned for his genre-crossing innovation, he has played a key role in shaping the sound of modern electronic dance music and continues to inspire the next generation of DJs and producers.
Future Projects and Cultural Impact
Continuing to be a driving force in the EDM world, DJ Snake remains committed to evolving his sound and pushing creative boundaries. With ongoing collaborations and new music in development, he consistently delivers fresh experiences for his audience, ensuring his lasting impact on global music culture.
DJ Snake Net Worth 2025
DJ Snake’s estimated net worth stands at $8 million, earned primarily through music production, high-profile collaborations, and performances at major festivals around the world. His success has made him one of the most in-demand DJs and producers in the global music scene.
FAQs
What inspired DJ Snake to pursue a career in music?
DJ Snake discovered his passion for music during his teenage years. Starting as a DJ at age 14, his early exposure to various genres, particularly hip-hop and electronic music, laid the foundation for his unique sound. His time working at a record store in Paris helped him deepen his industry knowledge and build important connections.
How did DJ Snake get his first big break in the music industry?
DJ Snake’s major breakthrough came when he co-produced “Government Hooker” for Lady Gaga’s 2011 album Born This Way. This opportunity opened doors for future collaborations and established him as a serious producer in the global music industry.
Why is DJ Snake considered a pioneer in EDM?
DJ Snake is recognized for blending genres and incorporating global sounds into electronic music. His ability to seamlessly merge styles like dancehall, trap, pop, and hip-hop has helped redefine the boundaries of EDM and earned him international acclaim.
What are some of DJ Snake’s most successful collaborations?
Some of DJ Snake’s most notable collaborations include “Turn Down for What” with Lil Jon, “Lean On” with Major Lazer and MØ, “Let Me Love You” featuring Justin Bieber, and “Taki Taki” featuring Selena Gomez, Cardi B, and Ozuna. These tracks have topped global charts and achieved multi-platinum status.
How has DJ Snake’s background influenced his music style?
Growing up in the multicultural suburb of Ermont near Paris, DJ Snake was exposed to a wide range of cultural and musical influences. His French-Algerian heritage and urban environment have played a significant role in shaping his eclectic and globally-influenced sound.
Is DJ Snake involved in any philanthropic activities?
Yes, DJ Snake has participated in several charitable initiatives and uses his platform to advocate for causes he supports. While he keeps much of his philanthropic work private, his influence extends beyond music through his contributions to social impact efforts.